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Meet the Assistant Chief of the DA’s Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet the Assistant Chief of the DA’s Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division Luis Mendez, who has been with the DA’s Office since 2008.

Luis was born and raised in El Centro, CA, which is a small agricultural town about 110 miles east of San Diego and about 10 miles north of the U.S./Mexico border. His mother was born and raised in Calexico, CA, which is right on the border with Mexico. His father was born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.

Shortly after graduating from law school, Luis was initially hired at the DA’s Office as a Temporary Expert Professional. He then worked at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office in the Criminal Division for two years before being hired as a Deputy District Attorney at the San Diego County DA’s Office. He is currently the Assistant Chief of the DA’s Insurance Fraud and Workplace Justice Division, where he is involved in the day-to-day operation of the division, which includes approving case issuing and rejects, settlement offers and oversees special projects. He also maintains a caseload of auto insurance fraud and workers’ compensation fraud prosecutions. He covers court appearances including readiness conferences, preliminary hearings, jury trials, grand jury proceedings, and sentencings, while also providing trainings on the topic of insurance fraud prosecution.

Luis has three children and spends most of his spare time with them. When he is away from the kids, he enjoys attending concerts and music festivals. He is also a member of the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“Helping victims: Several cases early in my career allowed me the opportunity to interact with victims in Spanish. It felt satisfying to speak to the victims in their native language and assist them by obtaining a measure of justice on their behalf. Doing what is right: While in law school I interned at the San Diego Public Defender’s office and a small federal defense firm. When I began prosecuting it felt good to know that my allegiance was not a specific client, but to do what is right in a given case. Comradery: The closeness of the office feels like an extended family. I met my wife while working at the East County Branch in 2011, so I am not just speaking figuratively.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I really enjoy the community outreach aspect. I have volunteered with Project LEAD yearly since 2016. Through this program I mentor a fifth-grade classroom at Laura Rodriguez Elementary in the Logan neighborhood. These students are presented with lessons focused on topics related to the criminal justice system and responsible decision making. In 2021 I began coaching mock trial at Sweetwater High School in National City. My commitment to outreach is rooted in my desire to give back to the Hispanic community, to show the students that someone with a similar background was able to succeed in the legal profession, and to inspire them to achieve academic and career goals. At Laura Rodriguez Elementary there are often migrant students who speak Spanish exclusively. I especially enjoy connecting with these students and presenting the lessons in their native language.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“Personally, this month serves as a reminder that I represent a community in a field where its members are underrepresented. It is a time to reflect on the efforts made by many Hispanic families to give their children the opportunity to succeed in the United States, and I personally feel gratitude that I was given that opportunity. The Hispanic community consist of people of various national origins and race. This month is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the many ways this community elevates American culture and our shared experience.”

Meet the Chief of the Family Protection Division

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet the Chief of the DA’s Family Protection Division Melissa Diaz, who has been with the DA’s Office since 2000.

Melissa is a native Angelino – born and raised in Los Angeles. After law school, she worked at the San Diego City Attorney’s Office for several years and then began working at the District Attorney in 2000 where she started in the Family Protection Division.

She is currently the Chief of the Family Protection Division, where she leads the group tasked with prosecuting domestic violence, child physical and sexual abuse, elder abuse, animal abuse, child abduction and internet crimes against children.  She works with our law enforcement and community partners on the investigation, prosecution, and prevention of these crimes.  She also helps work on systems-based issues, meaning how we can best serve our crime victims and witnesses from the moment they report to the conclusion of their case.

During her spare time, Melissa likes to cook, read, and listen to music.  She spends time with her family is also involved in her community.  She works on the High School Mock Trial coordinating committee because she is deeply interested in civics and civics education.  She has also devoted significant time to non-profit groups dedicated to serving children and families.  She was a founding board member of a non-profit foster family agency and she served on the board of The Chicano Federation of San Diego, serving as vice-chair and chair.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“I have always been compelled to public service and service to the community which I attribute my family’s values growing up. I’ve also been interested in protecting our community and those most vulnerable within in our community – children, sexual assault victims, victims of intimate partner violence and communities affected by gang violence.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“It is an honor to help crime victims navigate the court system and navigate them toward needed support services.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“On both sides of my family, we have a proud, rich and deep connection to history, civil rights and the Chicano movement in Los Angeles.  My family took care to share stories, art, culture and history with me and I feel fortunate.  For me, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to talk about Latinx art, culture and history, to appreciate our expansive history in the United States, to consider how our culture has shaped this country even before its inception, and to debate what it means to be Latinx and how we want to define ourselves.”

Meet Deputy DA Hector Jimenez

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 through October 15, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Deputy District Attorney Hector Jimenez, who has been with the DA’s Office since 1995.

Hector was born in Guadalajara, Mexico and came to the U.S. when he was 13 years old. Before joining the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, he worked in the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office and before that he represented minors in dependency court.

Hector started at the DA’s Office in the Juvenile Branch, and he is currently assigned to the Public Integrity Unit, in Special Operations, where he investigates and prosecutes conduct of elected officials or matters involving public funds.  He also helps with hate crimes and has taken on a few cases from his tenure in the Economic Crimes Division.

During his spare time, Hector coaches high school mock trials, he is involved with the San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, and he enjoys triathlons and spending time with his family.

What inspired you to choose a career in law enforcement/at the DA’s Office?

“When I was in high school, I was inspired by prosecutors during a Law Day event at the courthouse in Santa Ana, CA. They told us their mission was to help people. From that day, I have aspired to be a diligent and caring prosecutor.”

What is your favorite part of the job?

“I love the people I work with and our mission to serve the people of this state. The successes are very gratifying, and I can’t think of a better group of people to experience the lows with.”

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?

“As an immigrant, it is an interesting concept because I came from a place where the contributions of minorities were not appreciated.  I am proud to belong to a community that recognizes the contributions of its diverse population.  One of the interesting things about the Hispanic community is that we come in all shapes and colors, we are very diverse, and we contribute to all industries.”

Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala

Meet Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting stories from DA employees and what inspired them to pursue a career in public service. Meet Legislative Assistant Briana Zavala, who joined the DA’s Office as a Student Worker in 2016 and became a Legislative Assistant in 2018.

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your position and how you got where you are?
I grew up in Southeast San Diego, graduated from Lincoln High School, and received a full-ride scholarship to UCSD. For most of my life, I believed in the idea of meritocracy. I believed that if you worked hard, you would be successful. However, after going to college and studying Sociology, Ethnic and Gender studies, I quickly realized that opportunity plays a major role in that equation. I am where I am today because not only did I work hard, but I was given the opportunity to be a Student Worker at the DA’s Office over five and a half years ago. I am grateful to JJ Anderson and Grace Liu for mentoring me to be the young woman I am today.

Now, as Legislative Assistant, I have the opportunity to work with office executives to create laws that will not only benefit our office but the entire state. I am proud of where I am, but I have every intention of continuing to grow within the County by taking on leadership roles. While I love the work that I do, my favorite job is being a mom to two beautiful, sweet and kind little girls.

What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you? Why is it important?
Hispanic Heritage month is important to me because I am proud to be Mexican American. It is a time to celebrate diversity and acknowledge the history, culture, and achievements of the Hispanic community. I hope that during this month of celebrations we will use it as an opportunity to educate and have conversations about the lack of opportunity, resources, and marginalization that Hispanic people face to this day. Representation does not equal decolonization. As public servants, we must not only celebrate but hold ourselves accountable for more than can be done in our positions. I ask my colleagues to celebrate this month by reading about mental health barriers in the Hispanic community. The article can be found here.
¡Si se puede! Together we can, and together we will.

Deputy DA Agustin Pena

Tragedy Becomes Inspiration

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are sharing stories from DA employees about how they got to where they are today. Deputy District Attorney Agustin Peña’s life changed completely after a family tragedy, but even through adversity, he was determined to make a difference in his community.